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Phrasal Verb - Getting away with

· 3 min read
Raymundo CH

Image illustrating the verb Getting away with

Image uploaded to Pixabay by peteyp8

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Definition​

To 'get away with' something means to do something wrong, illegal, or undesirable without being caught, punished, or suffering the expected negative consequences. It implies a successful evasion of accountability, often due to luck, cleverness, or a lack of oversight. This phrasal verb is used when someone manages to avoid the repercussions that would normally follow a particular action, whether it's a minor transgression or a serious crime. It can also refer to succeeding in something despite not fully adhering to rules or standards, or despite a high risk of failure, without facing any adverse effects.

Examples​

No.Example
1The student tried to cheat on the test, hoping to get away with it, but the proctor spotted his notes.
2She consistently parks her car in a no-parking zone and always seems to get away with it, never receiving a ticket.
3Many people are frustrated by how some corporations manage to get away with polluting the environment without facing significant penalties.
4My little sister thought she could sneak an extra piece of cake, but she didn't get away with it; Mom counted them.
5Despite his aggressive driving, the motorist somehow managed to get away with not causing an accident or being pulled over.
6The detective was determined not to let the suspect get away with such a heinous crime.
7You can't just ignore your responsibilities and expect to get away with it indefinitely; eventually, there will be consequences.
8He managed to get away with leaving his homework incomplete for a week before the teacher finally noticed.
9The company tried to cut corners on safety, hoping to get away with it, but an inspection quickly revealed their negligence.
10It's tempting to tell a small white lie, but sometimes it's better not to risk it, as you might not get away with it.

Phrasal Verb - Breaking out

· 3 min read
Raymundo CH

Image illustrating the verb Breaking out

Image uploaded to Pixabay by RosZie

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Definition​

The phrasal verb 'break out' is a highly versatile expression with several distinct meanings, largely centered around the concept of sudden commencement or emergence. Most commonly, it signifies the abrupt beginning of something, often undesirable or intense, such as a fire, a war, a riot, or an epidemic. In this context, it implies a sudden, often uncontrolled, and sometimes widespread start. Another prominent use refers to the act of escaping from a place of confinement, such as a prison, a camp, or any restricted area, emphasizing a forceful or surreptitious departure. Additionally, 'break out' is frequently used to describe the sudden appearance or development of a skin condition, like a rash, pimples, or a sweat. Less frequently, it can also mean to suddenly produce or begin to use something, often for a special occasion, such as 'breaking out the champagne,' although 'bringing out' or 'getting out' might be more common in some of these instances. Its core semantic range covers sudden beginnings, escapes, and physical manifestations.

Examples​

No.Example
1A massive fire broke out in the old warehouse district last night, causing extensive damage.
2War threatened to break out between the two rival nations after the border dispute escalated.
3A highly contagious flu virus broke out in the city, leading to widespread school closures.
4The notorious gangster managed to break out of the maximum-security prison during a transfer.
5She tends to break out in an itchy rash whenever she eats food containing shellfish.
6An unexpected argument broke out among the committee members during the heated debate.
7He always breaks out in a cold sweat before giving a presentation to a large audience.
8If tensions continue to rise, civil unrest could easily break out in the capital.
9The local health authorities confirmed that a measles outbreak had broken out at the elementary school.
10When the rain started, we decided to break out the board games and have an indoor evening.